Gains in the dollar against major global currencies, bolstered by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's signal that the US economy looks strong enough for an interest rate hike this month and a lower opening in domestic equity markets, weighed on the rupee, dealers said.

1. The rupee had dropped 10 paise to end at 66.59 in yesterday's trade on renewed demand for the dollar from banks and importers amid higher greenback overseas.